May 19, 2025 3:32 pm
das Dorf in den Bergen
Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.
May 21, 2025 10:56 pm
Grundorf, a tiny hamlet crouched under the forest-clad mountain known as Hohenhorn. It is summer and the lake Windigersee ('windy lake') reflects the perfect blue of the sky. What a place! The romantics of France and Italy could not picture such a scene! The tinkle of goat bells, the buzz of honey bees in the long grass. A fisherman on the water sings an old song, long forgotten by those in the bustle of the towns and cities.
But then a woodcutter hurries into the settlement. His face is lined with anxiety. Everybody in the hamlet knows him--he is a local man-- but he pays little heed to them. Asking only to speak to the good Pfarrer. Or Frau Bauer. Or even the master, von Schwarzenwolff himself.
@WhtKnt,@Drakis2,@RageRed
So we're off! ctme won't be joining for a few days so I'll take the pressure off them character building.
Please place yourself in the hamlet (or somewhere nearby ) at the moment the woodcutter appears. What are you doing that characterises your normal daily routine? Please describe your activity (and your clothing and appearance too if you wish).
But then a woodcutter hurries into the settlement. His face is lined with anxiety. Everybody in the hamlet knows him--he is a local man-- but he pays little heed to them. Asking only to speak to the good Pfarrer. Or Frau Bauer. Or even the master, von Schwarzenwolff himself.
OOC:
@WhtKnt,@Drakis2,@RageRed
So we're off! ctme won't be joining for a few days so I'll take the pressure off them character building.
Please place yourself in the hamlet (or somewhere nearby ) at the moment the woodcutter appears. What are you doing that characterises your normal daily routine? Please describe your activity (and your clothing and appearance too if you wish).
May 22, 2025 3:09 am
The Pfarrer is going about his duties at the chapel, stocking and blessing the holy water, dusting the pews, etc. He wears a black cassock and biretta, and a white stole. On this particular day, he is celebrating nearly a week of relative sobriety. While he has had a nip or two, he has not been impaired due to drinking in a week. His dark hair is cut short, and his piercing blue eyes are clear.
OOC:
Yes, I am aware that my avatar is Wilhelm Emmanuel, baron von Ketteler. It was one of the few pictures I could find of a Bavarian Catholic priest in the period.
May 22, 2025 2:18 pm
Schwarzenwolff sits astride a faithful ebony steed, as it cantors along a lakeside trail of the Windigersee. Horse and rider have just taken a leisurely ride about the countryside, as it their habit several times each week, to survey the condition of the lands and its people.
Blonde of hair and green of eyes, the Master wears the former in a single long braid held in place by a dark tricorn hat and the latter are poised pleasantly upon a face perhaps too pretty for most of the male persuasion in the small hamlet of Grundorf. Upon Schwarzenwolff, is attire befitting the station of one born of aristocratic privilege. A fine dark blouse is worn loosely beneath a brocaded sleeveless waistcoat. Dark trousers, ending in leather riding boots, cover legs and feet. While an expensive flintlock pistol hangs girded upon a fine leather belt.
The master tips hat to a couple of the hamlet's young frauleins in passing...
Blonde of hair and green of eyes, the Master wears the former in a single long braid held in place by a dark tricorn hat and the latter are poised pleasantly upon a face perhaps too pretty for most of the male persuasion in the small hamlet of Grundorf. Upon Schwarzenwolff, is attire befitting the station of one born of aristocratic privilege. A fine dark blouse is worn loosely beneath a brocaded sleeveless waistcoat. Dark trousers, ending in leather riding boots, cover legs and feet. While an expensive flintlock pistol hangs girded upon a fine leather belt.
The master tips hat to a couple of the hamlet's young frauleins in passing...
May 22, 2025 3:29 pm
Frau Bauer bustles along the path, heading towards the church, quietly whistling a tune as she goes, calling out Halloo! to any locals she passes a happy smile on her face.
But Frau Bauer is hiding her troubles. The Werner family is on her mind, and their sickly son Johannes. He has been bedridden these 6 days, and the Werner's are without his help on the farm. She carries an array of flowers, heading towards the church to set them on the altar. She hopes to speak with Pfarrer Schweiger, and ask him to say extra prayers for the Werner boy's quick recovery.
She pulls her short fringe away from her eyes, as it flies about from a light gust of wind. She is dressed for the weather today, wearing a warm woollen jacket over her blouse, her legs protected by her long skirt and thick hose, her feet dry in her boots.
But Frau Bauer is hiding her troubles. The Werner family is on her mind, and their sickly son Johannes. He has been bedridden these 6 days, and the Werner's are without his help on the farm. She carries an array of flowers, heading towards the church to set them on the altar. She hopes to speak with Pfarrer Schweiger, and ask him to say extra prayers for the Werner boy's quick recovery.
She pulls her short fringe away from her eyes, as it flies about from a light gust of wind. She is dressed for the weather today, wearing a warm woollen jacket over her blouse, her legs protected by her long skirt and thick hose, her feet dry in her boots.
May 22, 2025 10:03 pm
In the church, the woodcutter finds the Pfarrer in conversation with Hilda concerning the unfortunate Werner family.
He rushes up to them and explains hastily that that he has just come across the body of Simon the Pedlar, a local who failed to return from a visit to Lindendorf. The woodcutter was working near the Lindendorf road, to the village's east. While searching for a suitable larch tree, he came across the pedlar's corpse.
Von Schwarzenwolff sees the trio through the church doors and quickly learns of the event....
You all know Simon quite well. An ordinary, humble pedlar of combs, ribbons, shawls. Simon sold his wares all along the road from Waldorf (to the west) to Lindendorf and other larger settlements to the east. He carried his goods in a pedlar's large pack. On the night of his disappearance he was expected to return from a visit to Lindendorf.
Does the party agree to view the corpse? It is about an hour's walk away, less if you take horses and give the woodcutter a ride. To reach the body, you need to travel east along the road (marked in green on the map) towards Lindendorf. Please describe the conversation you have with the woodcutter en route, or make a pleasant description of the lake view from the road --or something else-- if you prefer!
He rushes up to them and explains hastily that that he has just come across the body of Simon the Pedlar, a local who failed to return from a visit to Lindendorf. The woodcutter was working near the Lindendorf road, to the village's east. While searching for a suitable larch tree, he came across the pedlar's corpse.
Von Schwarzenwolff sees the trio through the church doors and quickly learns of the event....
OOC:
You all know Simon quite well. An ordinary, humble pedlar of combs, ribbons, shawls. Simon sold his wares all along the road from Waldorf (to the west) to Lindendorf and other larger settlements to the east. He carried his goods in a pedlar's large pack. On the night of his disappearance he was expected to return from a visit to Lindendorf.
Does the party agree to view the corpse? It is about an hour's walk away, less if you take horses and give the woodcutter a ride. To reach the body, you need to travel east along the road (marked in green on the map) towards Lindendorf. Please describe the conversation you have with the woodcutter en route, or make a pleasant description of the lake view from the road --or something else-- if you prefer!
May 22, 2025 10:27 pm
The Pfarrer stiffens up. "Excuse me, good Frau, but we should attend to this immediately! If he is truly dead, and I have no reason to disbelieve Herr Drossel, then his remains will need to be seen to before scavengers have their way with the body." He heads for the door, intent on following the woodcutter.
Despite the grim circumstances, the journey is pleasant. The sunlight reflects off the lake and warms them as they walk (Cunimund owns no horse), with a slight breeze providing just the right amount of cool. As they go, Cunimund chats with the woodcutter about his family and friends, asking about their health and well-being.
Despite the grim circumstances, the journey is pleasant. The sunlight reflects off the lake and warms them as they walk (Cunimund owns no horse), with a slight breeze providing just the right amount of cool. As they go, Cunimund chats with the woodcutter about his family and friends, asking about their health and well-being.
May 22, 2025 11:55 pm
Learning of the pedler's body being found, Von Schwarzenwolff's countenance visibly shows a deep concern. "Indeed. This news is unfortunate and the matter needs immediate attention to discover by what means the peddler met his demise." Turning on the heels of riding boots, the master strides from the church and promptly remounts on awaiting steed. "Let us secure a cart to retrieve the corpse as we go. The better to preserve any evidence upon the body, once the scene of this discovery has been thoroughly investigated."
May 23, 2025 12:13 am
OOC:
I want to give a couple of bennies before I forget:
A Benny to Cunimund for not having a horse. His resources die is d4, in line with his poverty hindrance, so it’s a good call that he’d be horseless.
A Benny to Von Schwarzenwolff for the cart idea. It’s investigatey and I like the aesthetic of it for some reason. Feels Hammer-ish. It is also a reasonable assertion that with your d8 Resources die you’d own or have right of access to a cart and horses.
I’ve just noticed that the character sheets don’t have a place for bennies? Have I missed something on the sheets? Please record in your posts if this is the case as they really need to be tracked.
Speaking of which, WhtKnt, would you mind adding ‘d4 Resources’ to your equipment list , as it’s a key indicator of your buying power.
May 23, 2025 1:00 am
OrangeTree says:
OOC:
I’ve just noticed that the character sheets don’t have a place for bennies? Have I missed something on the sheets? Please record in your posts if this is the case as they really need to be tracked.
Speaking of which, WhtKnt, would you mind adding ‘d4 Resources’ to your equipment list , as it’s a key indicator of your buying power.
May 23, 2025 1:25 am
WhtKnt says:
OrangeTree says:
OOC:
I’ve just noticed that the character sheets don’t have a place for bennies? Have I missed something on the sheets? Please record in your posts if this is the case as they really need to be tracked.
Speaking of which, WhtKnt, would you mind adding ‘d4 Resources’ to your equipment list , as it’s a key indicator of your buying power.
OOC:
Good idea!
May 23, 2025 3:12 pm
Hilda follows along behind Pfarrer Schweiger & Herr Drossel, neither invited or denied the right to join them. She gives half an ear to their patter, but considers what she knows about Simon and the road he traveled. He knew it well, having used it for many years, and she wonders if it was ill health that caused his death. She tries to remember if she had heard news of such.
OOC:
Going to roll a Common Knowledge to see what Hilda knew about Simon's health, as Drossel has as yet not described the state of the bodyRolls
Common Knowledge - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (84) = 12
1d6 : (2) = 2
May 23, 2025 10:03 pm
"Thank you all", the woodcutter remarks as the cart is produced.
"I will drive us there. Frau Brumen, Pfarrer, please take a seat up here beside me. "
It is a hot, dusty ride to Simon's death place. The Lindendorf road is in truth little more than a track, with dense forest bending over on either side of the way. The road sticks close to the lakeside, which flashes in and out of view as they progress. The woodcutter says little, preferring that the village leaders see the corpse for themselves. Hilda recalls that Simon, the victim, was a man in excellent health. Middle-aged rather than old, he was as fit as a flea as a result of his work carrying a heavy pack from village to village.
So far on the OOC thread, we are voting for the 'sleuth' option for investigation. Hilda's question--is it likely he died due to health issues?--is specific enough to fall into that category. I'll award a benny to Hilda for the first investigative act of the adventure. @Drakis2 could you vote on the new poll?
After half an hour's sweaty progress, the woodcutter recognises a landmark and draws the cart to a halt by the roadside.
"Up here, " he says gravely and heads up the slope to the road's left, on the opposite side from the lake. After a few minute's trudge through dense forest, the four reach the place where poor Simon lies. Even in the summer heat, this is a quiet, gloomy place. The late pedlar lies on his back on the forest floor. His eyes are open and his face bears an expression of terror. Even at a glance it can be seen that his face and clothes are badly scratched. His hat is missing and leaves and twigs are threaded through his hair. His pack is missing.
This is an eerie scene. I'm using the standard Fear rules on p124, deciding that this is a grotesque rather than terrifying situation. Make a SPI roll, tn4. If you fail, you are Shaken and Fatigued. Critical Failure means that I must roll for you on the Fear Table as well.
We'll handle the investigation stuff after this --let's do the horror reaction first. Even if your character makes their roll, they can still be upset or surprised.
"I will drive us there. Frau Brumen, Pfarrer, please take a seat up here beside me. "
It is a hot, dusty ride to Simon's death place. The Lindendorf road is in truth little more than a track, with dense forest bending over on either side of the way. The road sticks close to the lakeside, which flashes in and out of view as they progress. The woodcutter says little, preferring that the village leaders see the corpse for themselves. Hilda recalls that Simon, the victim, was a man in excellent health. Middle-aged rather than old, he was as fit as a flea as a result of his work carrying a heavy pack from village to village.
OOC:
So far on the OOC thread, we are voting for the 'sleuth' option for investigation. Hilda's question--is it likely he died due to health issues?--is specific enough to fall into that category. I'll award a benny to Hilda for the first investigative act of the adventure. @Drakis2 could you vote on the new poll?
"Up here, " he says gravely and heads up the slope to the road's left, on the opposite side from the lake. After a few minute's trudge through dense forest, the four reach the place where poor Simon lies. Even in the summer heat, this is a quiet, gloomy place. The late pedlar lies on his back on the forest floor. His eyes are open and his face bears an expression of terror. Even at a glance it can be seen that his face and clothes are badly scratched. His hat is missing and leaves and twigs are threaded through his hair. His pack is missing.
OOC:
This is an eerie scene. I'm using the standard Fear rules on p124, deciding that this is a grotesque rather than terrifying situation. Make a SPI roll, tn4. If you fail, you are Shaken and Fatigued. Critical Failure means that I must roll for you on the Fear Table as well.
We'll handle the investigation stuff after this --let's do the horror reaction first. Even if your character makes their roll, they can still be upset or surprised.
May 24, 2025 4:30 am
The Pfarrer is surprised to see the body. He blanches slightly, but approaches nearer, needing to know what has happened here. He kneels beside the body of the peddler, careful not to touch it, merely examining it closely.
OOC:
Making a Healing roll to determine what might have done this.Last edited May 24, 2025 4:33 am
Rolls
Spirit - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (63) = 9
Healing - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (1) = 1
May 24, 2025 12:04 pm
Carefully dismounting, so as not to disturb possible evidence underfoot, Von Schwarzenwolff also approaches the torn remains of the peddler. Producing a silk handkerchief and holding it over nose and mouth, the master crouches at the corpse's side and reaches out to physically examine the ripped flesh of the man's mortal wounds with riding gloved hands.
"Hmmm! Curious..."
"Hmmm! Curious..."
Last edited May 24, 2025 12:11 pm
Rolls
Spirit - (1d6+2, RA)
(3) + 2 = 5
Healing (Forensics) - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(64) + (2) = 12
Science (Biology) - (1d6, 1d4, RA)
1d6 : (3) = 3
1d4 : (2) = 2
May 24, 2025 4:22 pm
Taken aback by the horrid scene Hilda holds back as Engel and Pfarrer Schweiger crowd around the body. She takes the moment to compose herself and whispers a prayer for the soul of poor Simon.
Not wishing to get closer to the body, she look at the ground leading up from the road, and going further beyond the road into the bush, trying to spot any signs of Simon's path to this spot; was he dragged, did he walk, what creature did this. So many thoughts fill her head.
Not wishing to get closer to the body, she look at the ground leading up from the road, and going further beyond the road into the bush, trying to spot any signs of Simon's path to this spot; was he dragged, did he walk, what creature did this. So many thoughts fill her head.
Last edited May 24, 2025 4:28 pm
Rolls
Spirit - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (4) = 4
1d6 : (1) = 1
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (64) = 10
1d6 : (1) = 1
May 24, 2025 8:33 pm
The woodcutter has chosen his help wisely. None of the three investigators weaken at the macabre sight.
Both the Pfarrer and von Schwarzenwolff perceive that the victims’ many scrapes and gashes are self-inflicted. Caused from running recklessly through the forest’s overhanging branches. At night, perhaps? And in a state of blind panic. It would explain the loss of his hat, his many gouges and scrapes, and the leaves threaded through his hair.
But von Schwarzenwolff’s uninhibited search of the corpse reveals a further shocking find. His expert probings reveal deeper puncture wounds among the many superficial scrapes. They appear in perfect, regular pairs on Simon’s arms, face and of course his neck. Fang marks. The body is also unnaturally pale and drawn, drained of its blood.
It is the discovery that the woodcutter feared but did not dare speak. Simon has fallen prey to a vampir!
Hilda’s search is similarly thorough and successful. One by one she finds the pedlar’s missing possessions. His hat, close by. A shoe, thrown off in flight. His pack, closer to the road. Even a few broken branches and snapped off twigs that suggests the point where he took fear and bolted from the road.
The woodcutter comes to Hilda’s side and stands with her on the road.
"Simon would have done better to have run that way, down to the lake, than up there into the forest. But he could not swim well…"
Any IC or OOC comments or deductions? Please remember to talk to each other to bring the scene together a little.
Unless there’s anything further, the body will be taken back to Grundorf on the cart…
Both the Pfarrer and von Schwarzenwolff perceive that the victims’ many scrapes and gashes are self-inflicted. Caused from running recklessly through the forest’s overhanging branches. At night, perhaps? And in a state of blind panic. It would explain the loss of his hat, his many gouges and scrapes, and the leaves threaded through his hair.
But von Schwarzenwolff’s uninhibited search of the corpse reveals a further shocking find. His expert probings reveal deeper puncture wounds among the many superficial scrapes. They appear in perfect, regular pairs on Simon’s arms, face and of course his neck. Fang marks. The body is also unnaturally pale and drawn, drained of its blood.
It is the discovery that the woodcutter feared but did not dare speak. Simon has fallen prey to a vampir!
Hilda’s search is similarly thorough and successful. One by one she finds the pedlar’s missing possessions. His hat, close by. A shoe, thrown off in flight. His pack, closer to the road. Even a few broken branches and snapped off twigs that suggests the point where he took fear and bolted from the road.
The woodcutter comes to Hilda’s side and stands with her on the road.
"Simon would have done better to have run that way, down to the lake, than up there into the forest. But he could not swim well…"
OOC:
Any IC or OOC comments or deductions? Please remember to talk to each other to bring the scene together a little.
Unless there’s anything further, the body will be taken back to Grundorf on the cart…
May 25, 2025 1:37 am
"A vampir! God above, this is frightfully bad. Unless we find and destroy the abomination, no one will be safe to go out after dark!" He grips his crucifix that hangs around his neck. "My friends, we must be the ones to do something."
May 25, 2025 6:42 pm
Von Schwarzenwolff nods and turns toward all three of the others. "Indeed. This appears the handiwork of a vampir. I will know more once we have gotten poor Simon to my table. This is a devil's work." The Master regards the crucifix in the priestess grip. "Pray for us all..."
OOC:
Rolling for a baseline of what Engel knows of the Vampir.Last edited May 25, 2025 6:42 pm
Rolls
Occult - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(4) + (3) = 7
May 25, 2025 7:39 pm
OOC:
Rolling for Occult, to see if Hilda can match her knowledge to the evidence discovered by the other two."Are we sure of this? It seems such a leap based on such meagre facts. There are many cuts and wounds on poor Simon's body, that can be accounted for in so many ways," she looks unconvinced.
"As you say von Schwarzenwolff, I think a deeper investigation of Simon's body is needed, and then... turning to Pfarrer Schweiger, "a proper ceremony to see his soul on it's way."
Rolls
Occult - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (3) = 3
1d6 : (4) = 4
May 25, 2025 10:11 pm
The three load the corpse onto the cart carefully, preserving his posture as best they can.
The woodcutter wishes to place a cover of straw over the body.
"If the villagers see the body there will be panic, Herrschaften. Surely we must be discreet?"
Both Von Schwarzenwolff and Hilda consider their knowledge of vampir lore. Such creatures were once common in the region. And in recent times, attacks by the night prowlers have increased. Von Schwarzenwolff indeed has been dispatched home (ostensibly) to investigate these reports.
Within the Königreich, opinions vary concerning the existence of the monsters. The burghers in the lowland cities scoff at such mountain tales. But those who live in the alpine and remote wooded regions know that such creatures are real enough. And any scholar in Munich or Nuremberg who has looked into the matter cannot dismiss the evidence of countless histories of their ravages.
The two also know that there is another learned fellow in the village who might cast light on the matter. Leopold Wagner, the local school master. Always with his head stuck in a book! And no doubt possessing volumes that deal with such matters.
As the cart bears its sad burden through the village to Von Schwarzenwolff’s schloss, a few villagers approach to ask what has happened…
(Thanks for the interaction in previous posts. We’re loaded with bennies at present but I’ll award them for dialogue when they become a bit more scarce.)
Both Hilda and Engel rolled a success on occult, as opposed to the multiple shifts in the last round—just to explain why the info dump this time is less extensive.
Have your characters agreed to the woodcutter’s plan of covering the body? Or have they left it in full view, considering that the locals have a right to know what has happened?
As village leaders, each please make a tn4 persuade roll to dissemble, deflect. Or come clean but reassure the villagers that matters are in hand (requires a tn6 roll). Please state your strategy in the roll note so you are not retro-fitting your decision!
The woodcutter wishes to place a cover of straw over the body.
"If the villagers see the body there will be panic, Herrschaften. Surely we must be discreet?"
Both Von Schwarzenwolff and Hilda consider their knowledge of vampir lore. Such creatures were once common in the region. And in recent times, attacks by the night prowlers have increased. Von Schwarzenwolff indeed has been dispatched home (ostensibly) to investigate these reports.
Within the Königreich, opinions vary concerning the existence of the monsters. The burghers in the lowland cities scoff at such mountain tales. But those who live in the alpine and remote wooded regions know that such creatures are real enough. And any scholar in Munich or Nuremberg who has looked into the matter cannot dismiss the evidence of countless histories of their ravages.
The two also know that there is another learned fellow in the village who might cast light on the matter. Leopold Wagner, the local school master. Always with his head stuck in a book! And no doubt possessing volumes that deal with such matters.
As the cart bears its sad burden through the village to Von Schwarzenwolff’s schloss, a few villagers approach to ask what has happened…
OOC:
(Thanks for the interaction in previous posts. We’re loaded with bennies at present but I’ll award them for dialogue when they become a bit more scarce.)
Both Hilda and Engel rolled a success on occult, as opposed to the multiple shifts in the last round—just to explain why the info dump this time is less extensive.
Have your characters agreed to the woodcutter’s plan of covering the body? Or have they left it in full view, considering that the locals have a right to know what has happened?
As village leaders, each please make a tn4 persuade roll to dissemble, deflect. Or come clean but reassure the villagers that matters are in hand (requires a tn6 roll). Please state your strategy in the roll note so you are not retro-fitting your decision!
May 26, 2025 1:03 am
Cunimund will agree with the woodcutter that poor Simon should be covered. When approached regarding what has happened, he feels compelled to tell the truth, or at least, as much of it as he feels will avoid a panic. "Yes, it is true. Poor Simon has met an untimely end. He was attacked by wild beasts outside of town, but we are looking into it. You will be safe, I assure you. Remain in your homes after dark until we have learned more." He tries to sound more confident than he feels right now.
Rolls
Persuasion - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (2) = 2
May 26, 2025 9:16 pm
OOC:
Just in case anyone is waiting for a cue before posting…the Pfarrer’s roll is a success on tn4 so we know he manages to deflect concern. Do you support this or want to be more open about the cause of death?
Even if you support the approach, You can either stick with this roll or even attempt to improve on it.
May 27, 2025 2:53 pm
Hilda repeats Pfarrer Schweiger's comments to any of her neighbours who come to her for news.
"You heard Pfarrer Schweiger now, please, go about your business so we can attend to Simon, and give him a respectful ending." She shoo's away the too curious, keeping an eye to the coverings over Simon's body.
"You heard Pfarrer Schweiger now, please, go about your business so we can attend to Simon, and give him a respectful ending." She shoo's away the too curious, keeping an eye to the coverings over Simon's body.
May 27, 2025 5:06 pm
The villagers watch and make superstitious signs to ward misfortune. They are mollified by the Pfarrer’s words ( who after all has not lied). And respond obediently enough to Hilda by dispersing.
A few look back briefly at Von Schwarzenwolff to see whether he has any words of his own, but return to their tasks regardless.
The three investigators know that the village school master, Leopold Wagner, will be an important ally in this case. Apart from his considerable knowledge of religious and occult matters, he is also know for his skill in rifling through tomes and archives to discover knowledge.
Once Simon’s body has been reposed safely in the schloss’s cool cellar, they repair to the schoolhouse. The building is a tiny, wonky, timber-framed hall that has performed its role for generations. The children having left, Wagner is busying himself collecting books. The fellow is clumsy and slow, almost dropping the stack he has gathered.
He listens gravely to the news of the attack.
Benny to Pfarrer Cunimund for wording a response that neither reveals nor conceals the facts around his death.
I’m guiding the action slightly here to bring in @ctme2000.
If we could role-play a bit of interaction with Leopold. No need to repeat the whole account of the discovery, let’s say that happens off camera.
What does Leopold look like? How does he respond to the news?
What do the characters think of Leopold — pity him as a clever man working in obscurity? Consider him a typical clever but feeble-seeming egghead? Or such…
A few look back briefly at Von Schwarzenwolff to see whether he has any words of his own, but return to their tasks regardless.
The three investigators know that the village school master, Leopold Wagner, will be an important ally in this case. Apart from his considerable knowledge of religious and occult matters, he is also know for his skill in rifling through tomes and archives to discover knowledge.
Once Simon’s body has been reposed safely in the schloss’s cool cellar, they repair to the schoolhouse. The building is a tiny, wonky, timber-framed hall that has performed its role for generations. The children having left, Wagner is busying himself collecting books. The fellow is clumsy and slow, almost dropping the stack he has gathered.
He listens gravely to the news of the attack.
OOC:
Benny to Pfarrer Cunimund for wording a response that neither reveals nor conceals the facts around his death.
I’m guiding the action slightly here to bring in @ctme2000.
If we could role-play a bit of interaction with Leopold. No need to repeat the whole account of the discovery, let’s say that happens off camera.
What does Leopold look like? How does he respond to the news?
What do the characters think of Leopold — pity him as a clever man working in obscurity? Consider him a typical clever but feeble-seeming egghead? Or such…
May 27, 2025 11:51 pm
"Well, Leopold, you have heard the facts. What is your opinion?" Cunimund regarded the schoolmaster critically. He considers the man to be well-educated, but this was a bit out of his league. What could a man of science know of the supernatural?
May 28, 2025 3:29 pm
Hilda listens to the men as they speak, poking among the books Leopold has stacked on shelves. Many of them she has already read, having gone to this school house, but the new books are small beer. She is glad she didn't have Leopold as her tutor, if this is the best he can do to "modernise" as the city folk would call it.
May 28, 2025 7:07 pm
"Herr Wagner. We are very interested in your consultation in this disturbing matter." Von Schwarzenwolff conveys to the school master. "Your reputation as a learned man of many topics may prove invaluable in our current dilemma."
Last edited May 29, 2025 4:38 pm
May 29, 2025 12:04 am
Leopold's stern face initially softened at the knowledge of Simon's passing. He knew the man well, routinely perusing his wares for more obscure items, while sharing news of the wider world. The softness hardens though at mention of how he passed. He's not certain if it's truly a vampir, the numerous bite marks not consistent with the creature's traditional modus operandi.
Looking over the empty seats, in a steady, clipped tone "Regardless if man or monster, for the children's safety it is paramount we stop this from happening again. Let us head to my study where I can research this further."
Once at Leopold's home, "Make yourselves comfortable. Pfarrer, can you put the kettle on while I look through my materials. We can drink to Simon's memory with some local herbs and berries acquired from his cart."
Taking a key from around his neck, Leopold walks over to a large, well worn, wooden chest by his desk and slowly, awkwardly kneels down to unlock it. He systemically rifles through the chest, pulling out a few items that seem relevant to the conversation, nay, investigation, and just as awkwardly rises up, sorting the materials across the desk, an assortment of books, journals, and scraps of paper. In the light, some of the papers gleam with a disturbingly reddish hue.
The schoolmaster's keen, grey eyes pour over the material.
Looking over the empty seats, in a steady, clipped tone "Regardless if man or monster, for the children's safety it is paramount we stop this from happening again. Let us head to my study where I can research this further."
Once at Leopold's home, "Make yourselves comfortable. Pfarrer, can you put the kettle on while I look through my materials. We can drink to Simon's memory with some local herbs and berries acquired from his cart."
Taking a key from around his neck, Leopold walks over to a large, well worn, wooden chest by his desk and slowly, awkwardly kneels down to unlock it. He systemically rifles through the chest, pulling out a few items that seem relevant to the conversation, nay, investigation, and just as awkwardly rises up, sorting the materials across the desk, an assortment of books, journals, and scraps of paper. In the light, some of the papers gleam with a disturbingly reddish hue.
The schoolmaster's keen, grey eyes pour over the material.
OOC:
oh heck no, spending a benny, 2/3Last edited May 29, 2025 12:06 am
Rolls
Research - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (1) = 1
1d6 : (3) = 3
Research - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (1) = 1
1d6 : (5) = 5
May 29, 2025 2:11 am
OOC:
Aha! We have run into the issue I described in my second poll. We were keen to go with the second, more deductive approach where players would pose particular questions. In this case, the research could use a focus—are there accounts of vampire attacks in this area? Is there a history of vampirism in Von Schwarzenwolff’s family?, etc. One or two questions to indicate what Leopold is looking for.
Or maybe I just missed it? Was it : ‘He's not certain if it's truly a vampir, the numerous bite marks not consistent with the creature's traditional modus operandi.’?
May 29, 2025 3:47 am
OOC:
ah, whoops, totally skipped my mind, was in a rush to submit the post before boarding.If two questions are allowed (if not, in order of preference):
1. Are the bite marks consistent with a traditional vampir, or is this something else?
2. Are there accounts of vampire attacks in this area?
May 29, 2025 2:09 pm
As Leopold descends into his dusty books, the world around him melts away…
Research of this kind takes time, stirring up the archival dust. What does your character get up to for the rest of the day? No need to act as a party, individual enquiry is also ok and there is little danger of an attack during bright sunshine.
Your character may decide instead to await the results of Leopold’s research. What everyday duties do they return to?
Please make rolls if relevant, even for everyday tasks, in case something is turned up…
OOC:
Research of this kind takes time, stirring up the archival dust. What does your character get up to for the rest of the day? No need to act as a party, individual enquiry is also ok and there is little danger of an attack during bright sunshine.
Your character may decide instead to await the results of Leopold’s research. What everyday duties do they return to?
Please make rolls if relevant, even for everyday tasks, in case something is turned up…
May 29, 2025 4:38 pm
"I will leave you to your books, Herr Wagner." Von Schwarzenwolff says with nod to the other, as they make their toward the exit of the schoolmaster's abode. "I will be at the schloss attending to the peddler's remains."
May 29, 2025 7:49 pm
Cunimund nods and follows Von Schwarzenwolff, having the feeling that his services may yet be needed. When he has finished with whatever needs to be attended to in that capacity, he returns to the chapel to prepare for a funeral.
May 29, 2025 7:59 pm
Hilda leaves to attend to her shop, and make the day's deliveries to surrounding folk. For those that question what happened to Simon she keeps to the original explanation, not wishing to alarm her neighbours.
May 29, 2025 9:56 pm
As the day progresses, Leopold makes fair, if not spectacular progress.
Leopold discovers that the type of (multiple fang) attacks observed on Simon's body are somewhat rare. At first he finds evidence of such attacks only in the exotic accounts of Malaysian and Japanese vampires. Such 'flying head' monstrosities attempt to latch onto fleeing prey. He finds some local examples-- flying Todeskopf vampires that emerge from the tombs of beheaded villains.
As for accounts of local vampires, he sees that the region has always teemed with the monsters. Christian missionary saints encountered local pagan vampires. In the Middle Ages, vampire plagues occurred around Grundorf, Lindendorf and Waldorf as the result of witchcraft and unsafe burial practices.
But the most prolific period for vampire predation was the early 17th Century, when the region came under the sway of Baron von Drak. The 'Black Baron' was a local nobleman who succumbed to the curse of vampirism. The area prospered in many respects as the immortal Baron ruled through living representatives known as the 'Bailiffs'. But the region bore the dreadful cost of his predations and those of his risen minions! Good King Ludwig sent an army to hunt down the Baron and destroy his Castle (whose runs lie to the west of the village in what is now deep forest). Yet even after his supposed destruction attacks were still recorded. Likely conduced by the baron's surviving minions.
The roll was a success without raises so I'll avoid giving too much away at this stage. But there is still key information here!
Evening descends slowly as the summer heat disperses. An owl begins to hoot in the woods above the village and foxes begin to screech in the twilight. Mist films over the lake.
The villagers retire early to their cottages, rather than sitting on doorsteps to chat and sing as on earlier evenings. Although they have no conscious sense of danger, ancestral instinct bids them to be cautious.
Soon after nightfall there is a hue and cry.
"Help us! The walking dead!"
The shouts come from the cottages close to the chapel.
Make a notice roll to respond quickly to the shouts --although they are loud your character might asleep or some distance from the noise. Say what you pick up quickly (if) you rush to respond to the noise.
Leopold discovers that the type of (multiple fang) attacks observed on Simon's body are somewhat rare. At first he finds evidence of such attacks only in the exotic accounts of Malaysian and Japanese vampires. Such 'flying head' monstrosities attempt to latch onto fleeing prey. He finds some local examples-- flying Todeskopf vampires that emerge from the tombs of beheaded villains.
As for accounts of local vampires, he sees that the region has always teemed with the monsters. Christian missionary saints encountered local pagan vampires. In the Middle Ages, vampire plagues occurred around Grundorf, Lindendorf and Waldorf as the result of witchcraft and unsafe burial practices.
But the most prolific period for vampire predation was the early 17th Century, when the region came under the sway of Baron von Drak. The 'Black Baron' was a local nobleman who succumbed to the curse of vampirism. The area prospered in many respects as the immortal Baron ruled through living representatives known as the 'Bailiffs'. But the region bore the dreadful cost of his predations and those of his risen minions! Good King Ludwig sent an army to hunt down the Baron and destroy his Castle (whose runs lie to the west of the village in what is now deep forest). Yet even after his supposed destruction attacks were still recorded. Likely conduced by the baron's surviving minions.
OOC:
The roll was a success without raises so I'll avoid giving too much away at this stage. But there is still key information here!
Evening descends slowly as the summer heat disperses. An owl begins to hoot in the woods above the village and foxes begin to screech in the twilight. Mist films over the lake.
The villagers retire early to their cottages, rather than sitting on doorsteps to chat and sing as on earlier evenings. Although they have no conscious sense of danger, ancestral instinct bids them to be cautious.
Soon after nightfall there is a hue and cry.
"Help us! The walking dead!"
The shouts come from the cottages close to the chapel.
OOC:
Make a notice roll to respond quickly to the shouts --although they are loud your character might asleep or some distance from the noise. Say what you pick up quickly (if) you rush to respond to the noise.
May 29, 2025 11:40 pm
Cunimund stirs slighty in his sleep, but does not otherwise react.
Last edited May 29, 2025 11:40 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (2) = 2
1d6 : (2) = 2
May 30, 2025 4:37 am
The sound of the nearby scream is masked by the whistle of Leopold's kettle as he readies another cup of tea.
Last edited May 30, 2025 2:36 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (3) = 3
1d6 : (1) = 1
May 30, 2025 2:49 pm
It takes some time before the distant noises awaken Hilda, but they finally break thru her dreams rousing her. She puts on her house coat and peers out her bedroom window, trying to locate where the sounds are coming from, then lighting a lantern she makes her way to the front door and unlatches it to look out.
Last edited May 30, 2025 2:51 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (3) = 3
1d6 : (4) = 4
May 30, 2025 4:44 pm
Across the graveyard, Hilda sees swaying shadows cast by bobbing lanterns. It is hard to make out exactly what is going on across the obstructing gravestones, but the shadows and noise suggest that some villagers are tackling the undead visitors themselves. She glimpses the prongs of a pitchfork and a raised axe.
Onlookers are screaming, shaken by the horror of the spectacle.
Onlookers are screaming, shaken by the horror of the spectacle.
OOC:
Hilda can sprint across the graveyard and join the combat at once, or move into the graveyard and make another cautious recce. In either case, she needs to make a TN5 SPI test. Encountering undead is a terrifying , rather than a merely gruesome encounter, so a failed result will result in a fear table roll. May 31, 2025 12:20 am
Von Schwarzenwolff, sequestered within the schloss for the evening doesn't immediately hear the sounding of the alarm, but awakens as the screaming din rises. Quickly pulling on boots and snatching up weapons, the master make haste toward the ruckus.
Last edited May 31, 2025 12:22 am
Rolls
Notice - (1d6+1d6, RA)
(5) + (4) = 9
May 31, 2025 12:32 am
RageRed says:
Von Schwarzenwolff, sequestered within the schloss for the evening doesn't immediately hear the sounding of the alarm, but awakens as the screaming din rises.Three lurching figures are staggering along the high road, lunging at any who come near them. Their unnatural gait confirms they are undead , as indeed the villagers are screaming. Some locals look out from windows and watch with terror. A few brave individuals— she sees the intrepid woodcutter and a pair of carp fishermen—are belaying the creatures with axes and pitchforks. One monster has been battered to its knees.
OOC:
She is mercifully distant and does not need to make a fear roll if she stays at her window. She can even take a shot from the balcony , TN5 due to range let’s say if she can lay hands on her musket. They are toughness 6.However, turning up at the scene will make a stronger impression on the locals! In that case, make the TN5 fear roll and shoot or melee as you wish (their parry is just 5).
May 31, 2025 11:20 pm
Hilda screws up her courage, and approaches the graveyard, lanthern held high, trying to get some idea of who the villagers are screaming about. She calls out to any she recognises, asking them what is the alarm.
"What has roused you? Why are you all here in the graveyard at this hour of night? For God's mercy someone go rouse the Pfarrer!"
"What has roused you? Why are you all here in the graveyard at this hour of night? For God's mercy someone go rouse the Pfarrer!"
OOC:
Not sure how close she needs to get before she can see what the von Schwarzenwolff has spotted, the three lurching figures.Last edited May 31, 2025 11:23 pm
Rolls
Spirt - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (7) = 7
1d6 : (1) = 1
Jun 1, 2025 1:36 am
OOC:
Cool— Hilda and von Schwarzenwolff are sort of in synch so I’ll wait for their action before continuing.
Jun 1, 2025 3:12 pm
Von Schwarenwolff takes aim through the advantage point of the schloss' window, with the smoothbore musket and fires upon of the undead moving down in the streets from the graveyard. Then, quickly moves down to close and take other actions; drawing flintlock pistol in hand.
OOC:
Using a Benny. That roll is attrociousLast edited June 1, 2025 3:13 pm
Rolls
Shoot - (1d8+1d8, RA)
(2) + (2) = 4
Shoot (Bennie) - (1d8+1d8, RA)
(7) + (2) = 9
Damage - (2d8)
(77) = 14
Damage Raise bonus - (1d6, RA)
(4) = 4
Jun 1, 2025 5:21 pm
Approaching through the gravestones, Hilda takes in the scene. Two skeletal creatures, wound in filthy rags, stalk in the street like the bogeymen of children’s nightmares! Although their shreds of clothes are brown-black with rot, their skulls show clean white in the dancing lantern light.
A third creature has been downed by the village defenders, hewn in two by the woodcutter’s axe. But Hilda sees that three villagers kneel, bleeding profusely from their scratched faces..
As she shouts, one of the horrors turns to leer at Hilda. But she returns its eyeless gaze and remains unshaken…
Suddenly, the skeletal figure is jerked aside, as though struck by an invisible hammer. Von Schwarzenwolff’s shot strikes home, smashing its frame completely.
Encouraged, the defenders close in on the last of the monsters…
By the time von Schwarzenwolff runs out of his house and into the village, the last monster will have been destroyed.
Since she is closer at hand, Hilda can join the end of the fight, shooting TN4 if she has a pistol, or moving and attacking versus parry 5, toughness 6. Bagging the last monster will enhance her local rep.
Villagers will now arrive at Leopold and the Pfarrer’s doors, fetching them to the scene.
Can everybody make a notice roll , very high TN 8 required to notice something in the darkness. Take other actions to assist the villagers or check the scene as you wish. Roll please if you wish these to be significant.
A third creature has been downed by the village defenders, hewn in two by the woodcutter’s axe. But Hilda sees that three villagers kneel, bleeding profusely from their scratched faces..
As she shouts, one of the horrors turns to leer at Hilda. But she returns its eyeless gaze and remains unshaken…
Suddenly, the skeletal figure is jerked aside, as though struck by an invisible hammer. Von Schwarzenwolff’s shot strikes home, smashing its frame completely.
Encouraged, the defenders close in on the last of the monsters…
OOC:
By the time von Schwarzenwolff runs out of his house and into the village, the last monster will have been destroyed.
Since she is closer at hand, Hilda can join the end of the fight, shooting TN4 if she has a pistol, or moving and attacking versus parry 5, toughness 6. Bagging the last monster will enhance her local rep.
Villagers will now arrive at Leopold and the Pfarrer’s doors, fetching them to the scene.
Can everybody make a notice roll , very high TN 8 required to notice something in the darkness. Take other actions to assist the villagers or check the scene as you wish. Roll please if you wish these to be significant.
Jun 1, 2025 7:53 pm
Leopold gazes in a mixture of wonder and shock over the bloodied villagers and skeletal remains. He knows he should go over and assist the townsfolk but his curiosity gets the better and he hobbles over to one of the dismembered monstosities, seeing if it is someone he recognizes.
Last edited June 1, 2025 7:59 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (3) = 3
1d6 : (4) = 4
Common Knowledge - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (3) = 3
Jun 1, 2025 11:53 pm
Von Schwarzenwolff glances about to see that no other threat is imminent, then heads towards the injured villagers to see if their healing ability may assist.
Rolls
Notice - (1d6+1d6, RA)
(4) + (3) = 7
Healing - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(3) + (42) = 9
Jun 1, 2025 11:54 pm
Cunimund comes awake to the ruckus at his door and throws on a coat over his nightclothes. He is barefoot and carries only his crucifix, running towards the scene. He is immediately caught off guard and crosses himself several times. But something in the darkness draws his attention...
Last edited June 1, 2025 11:55 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (63) = 9
1d6 : (4) = 4
Jun 2, 2025 8:34 pm
The pfarrer’s gaze is caught by something hovering in the darkness near the church steeple. High up in the darkness, an oval object is quivering in the night air. Cunimund gets the impression that the thing remains airborne due to the intense fluttering of small but powerful lateral wings. Sensing his gaze, the bizarre object darts immediately out of sight!
von Schwarzenwolff intervenes in time to save one of the villager’s badly scratched eyes. But he realises he must take the three victims to the schloss and his medical equipment to complete the task of cleansing their filthy wounds…
Leopold the school master bends over the monsters’ broken remains and notices they are utterly sodden. Their rotten clothes have mouldered for long in the muddy bottom of the lake. They have decomposed too far to be recognisable, but Leopold guesses from what is left of their attire that they were lake fisherman.
As he watches, a fish wriggles from one of the skeleton’s rib-cages!
Benny to Leopold for a well- focused CK roll.
Action has moved on to the post-fight situation so we’ll remove the option of some combat from Hilda.
Any IC stuff at the conclusion of the fight? Any further actions or questions about the scene?
Unless anybody has something different in mind, the next scene will take place at the schloss where the party have helped to carry the three scratch victims.
von Schwarzenwolff intervenes in time to save one of the villager’s badly scratched eyes. But he realises he must take the three victims to the schloss and his medical equipment to complete the task of cleansing their filthy wounds…
Leopold the school master bends over the monsters’ broken remains and notices they are utterly sodden. Their rotten clothes have mouldered for long in the muddy bottom of the lake. They have decomposed too far to be recognisable, but Leopold guesses from what is left of their attire that they were lake fisherman.
As he watches, a fish wriggles from one of the skeleton’s rib-cages!
OOC:
Benny to Leopold for a well- focused CK roll.
Action has moved on to the post-fight situation so we’ll remove the option of some combat from Hilda.
Any IC stuff at the conclusion of the fight? Any further actions or questions about the scene?
Unless anybody has something different in mind, the next scene will take place at the schloss where the party have helped to carry the three scratch victims.
Jun 3, 2025 1:39 pm
Getting the injured settled down to continue treating their wounds, Von Scwarzenwolff turns as the priest speak. Eyes narrowing, the master answers, "See what Pfarrer?..."
Jun 4, 2025 3:04 am
OOC:
so these undead rose up from somewhere in the village (the bottom of the lake, the cemetery, etc)? Or they traveled into town from elsewhere? (In particular from the west, in the direction of the Baron's old stomping grounds?)Jun 4, 2025 3:14 am
"There was... something up near the steeple. It looked like a black oval, but it was quivering, as if beating wings at high speed."
Jun 4, 2025 3:22 pm
ctme2000 says:
OOC:
so these undead rose up from somewhere in the village (the bottom of the lake, the cemetery, etc)? Or they traveled into town from elsewhere? (In particular from the west, in the direction of the Baron's old stomping grounds?)OOC:
If we were actually in the village rather than role-playing it, answers to these question would prob be clear from context. I’ll use NPC Hilda , now Frau Bauer, to fill in the blanks.
But in the meantime, it is the living that need the noble’s attention. The three victims are led to the schloss and the facilities in Von Schwarzenwolff’s study.
The schloss is a small but still impressive mansion house set on the slope above the village. The tiny palace is a semi-ruin. A few rooms have been restored to their former elegance, including the great hall and Von Schwarzenwolff’s private chambers. But much of the sprawling building is derelict, sealed off pending a change in the family’s fortunes.
The victims, Leopold, the Pfarrer, Frau Bauer and Von Schwarzenwolff file into the study.
The butler rushes into the room.
"Mein Herr, beware. Downstairs, in the dissection room, something… very strange…"
Down a steep flight of stairs from the study, Von Schwarzenwolff’s dissection room looks much as he left it. Poor Simon is still laid out on a slab, with instruments and notes laid beside him. But Simon’s head is missing!
OOC:
I’ve railroaded a bit here, but I think it’s safe to assume that in an irl game we’d end up in this location …
Please make a tn6 notice roll to be prepared for what happens next. Or guess what has happened!
Jun 4, 2025 3:41 pm
Cunimund is taken aback by this sudden turn of events!
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (2) = 2
1d6 : (4) = 4
Jun 4, 2025 5:26 pm
"Huch!" Von Scwarzenwolff exclaims at the discovery or Simon's missing head.
Without turning to regard the schoolmaster, the master grasps up a bladed instrument from the tools on the dissection table and gives a glance about the chamber. "Your assessment of the ilk of fiend we may be facing may have just reared its ugly head, Herr Wagner."
Without turning to regard the schoolmaster, the master grasps up a bladed instrument from the tools on the dissection table and gives a glance about the chamber. "Your assessment of the ilk of fiend we may be facing may have just reared its ugly head, Herr Wagner."
Rolls
Notice - (1d6+1d6, RA)
(3) + (4) = 7
Jun 4, 2025 6:10 pm
Leopold gives an unexpected laugh at Von Scwarzenwolff's mention of a rearing head. He stops himself before responding to his companions, "I don't believe you are far off the mark Von Scwarzenwolff. There are clearly dark forces at work, and the winged aberration spotted by the pfarrer may well be..." struggling to say this last part out loud, "Poor Simon's head."
Last edited June 4, 2025 6:12 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (1) = 1
1d6 : (2) = 2
Jun 4, 2025 10:52 pm
Frau Bauer remains in the study with the injured.
In the dissection room below, the village leaders face the mystery of the head’s disappearance. Although their deductions are imperfect, they guess enough to be prepared for what happens next.
There is a sudden clatter and a fluttering horror rises into view from a corner of the room. It is Simon’s head, but grown skull-like and fanged. Webbed, fan-like appendages sprout from either side of the monstrosity. The bizarre wings flutter weakly, struggling to keep the head afloat. But they have enough power to launch the fanged skull at the nearest of the three.
I’ll make a random roll next to see who is targeted.
Your successful notice rolls/guesses indicate that you are not entirely surprised by the attack.
1. Please, make a tn4 SPI terror roll to avoid a fear effect
2. Only if you make the roll, preempt the attack by making a melee attack or shot at the skull, being realistic about whatever weapon you think you’d have to hand (whatever you brought to the previous fight). It is Parry 5, Tn5 for shooting. Toughness 6.
In the dissection room below, the village leaders face the mystery of the head’s disappearance. Although their deductions are imperfect, they guess enough to be prepared for what happens next.
There is a sudden clatter and a fluttering horror rises into view from a corner of the room. It is Simon’s head, but grown skull-like and fanged. Webbed, fan-like appendages sprout from either side of the monstrosity. The bizarre wings flutter weakly, struggling to keep the head afloat. But they have enough power to launch the fanged skull at the nearest of the three.
OOC:
I’ll make a random roll next to see who is targeted.
Your successful notice rolls/guesses indicate that you are not entirely surprised by the attack.
1. Please, make a tn4 SPI terror roll to avoid a fear effect
2. Only if you make the roll, preempt the attack by making a melee attack or shot at the skull, being realistic about whatever weapon you think you’d have to hand (whatever you brought to the previous fight). It is Parry 5, Tn5 for shooting. Toughness 6.
Jun 5, 2025 12:26 am
The Pfarrer raises his crucifix. "Get thee hence, spawn of Satan!"
Rolls
Spirit - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (5) = 5
Jun 5, 2025 12:45 am
OOC:
Some on the spot rules for Crucifix work on a lesser vampire like this:
Success deflects / prevents an attack on the Pfarrer specifically.
A raise forces the target to stay at bay from the whole party
Two raises ‘turns’ it , forcing it to flee
Three raises destroys it.
Greater vampires will work similarly but with a higher TN.
Jun 5, 2025 3:26 am
The schoolmaster steeled himself as the monstrosity moved closer. His disgust was replaced with anger over the desecration of the poor man's remains.
Cursing himself over not bringing the family weapon, he made his way to the dissection table and grabbed a cartilage knife, the blade still slick with the deceased man's blood and sinew.
The size and heft weren't too different from his dagger, giving the man some comfort as he approached the thing.
Joat - Fighting: d4
Cursing himself over not bringing the family weapon, he made his way to the dissection table and grabbed a cartilage knife, the blade still slick with the deceased man's blood and sinew.
The size and heft weren't too different from his dagger, giving the man some comfort as he approached the thing.
OOC:
Bennies: 3/3Joat - Fighting: d4
Last edited June 5, 2025 3:53 am
Rolls
Spirit - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (61) = 7
1d6 : (2) = 2
Smarts (Jack of all Trades) - (1d10, 1d6, RA)
1d10 : (6) = 6
1d6 : (4) = 4
Jun 5, 2025 3:55 am
OOC:
That would be a Faith roll, correct?Rolls
Faith - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (83) = 11
1d6 : (3) = 3
Jun 5, 2025 2:47 pm
OOC:
Using Bennie...Engel has the worst Fear rolls in the whole group.Last edited June 5, 2025 2:50 pm
Rolls
Spirit - (1d6, RA)
(1) = 1
Spirit (Bennie) - (1d6, RA)
(3) = 3
Jun 5, 2025 4:50 pm
The Pfarrer's defiant show of strong faith seems to cast a shield around the heroes!
The monster recoils at the sight of the crucifix. It flaps awkwardly and loses height, almost brushing the chamber's stone flags. Its attack thwarted, the monster seeks to skirt the slab where the trio are gathered, winging its way clumsily to the door --and escape!
Leopold's JOAT roll succeeded so he can fight at d4 ...
Last chance for von S and Leo get a stab/ shot in. Again, it is Parry 5, Tn5 for shooting. Toughness 6.
If left alone it will flap up the steps to the study and escape through the manor house.
The monster recoils at the sight of the crucifix. It flaps awkwardly and loses height, almost brushing the chamber's stone flags. Its attack thwarted, the monster seeks to skirt the slab where the trio are gathered, winging its way clumsily to the door --and escape!
OOC:
Leopold's JOAT roll succeeded so he can fight at d4 ...
Last chance for von S and Leo get a stab/ shot in. Again, it is Parry 5, Tn5 for shooting. Toughness 6.
If left alone it will flap up the steps to the study and escape through the manor house.
Jun 5, 2025 8:32 pm
OOC:
If The Thing and Hammer Films had a love child, feel like this scene would be it.OOC:
not sure if this is considered an improvised weapon at -2, so adjust accordingly...welp, doesn't matterOOC:
Spending Benny, 2/3Last edited June 5, 2025 8:34 pm
Rolls
Fighting - (1d4, 1d6, RA)
1d4 : (2) = 2
1d6 : (1) = 1
Fighting - (1d4, 1d6, RA)
1d4 : (3) = 3
1d6 : (4) = 4
Jun 5, 2025 8:41 pm
OOC:
LOL. I didn’t (consciously) realise the Thing influence. I wonder what " you’ve got to be f***ing kidding me," is in German….
Ok to treat scalpel as an actual weapon but it looks like that’s a miss.
Jun 5, 2025 9:58 pm
Emboldened by the Pfarrar's show of faith and the winged horror's reaction, Von Schwarzenwolff raises the flintlock and fires on the abomination, as it attempts to flee the schloss.
Rolls
Shoot - (1d8+1d8, RA)
(6) + (1) = 7
Damage - (2d6+1)
(36) + 1 = 10
Jun 5, 2025 11:08 pm
There is loud crack, a gush of smoke and flame, and the skull is shot from the air!
After the fight, the dissection chamber is filled with the night’s exhibits. A vampire skull and the remains of the three lake shamblers. Together with the headless corpse, it is a black collection indeed.
After the villagers’ wounds are cleansed and dressed, there is time at last for the village leaders to rest in the schloss’s fine study. Pipes, snuff, brandy, excellent local schnapps.
Frau Bauer leans forward on her couch.
"And so, meine Herren, has the fiend really been destroyed? Yet what, I wonder, earlier attacked Simon and bit him so?"
The Pfarrer recalls that the unholy thing shot down by Von Schwarzenwolff was cumbersome and clumsy. But the flying creature he saw flitting above the graveyard was nimble and quick.
Any other speculation about what has been going on?
(Von Schwarzenwolff spent several hours working on Simon’s remains earlier in the evening so we can assume he has amassed numerous details about his wounds, even if these merely confirm his first incisive hunch that the attack was vampiric.)
After the fight, the dissection chamber is filled with the night’s exhibits. A vampire skull and the remains of the three lake shamblers. Together with the headless corpse, it is a black collection indeed.
After the villagers’ wounds are cleansed and dressed, there is time at last for the village leaders to rest in the schloss’s fine study. Pipes, snuff, brandy, excellent local schnapps.
Frau Bauer leans forward on her couch.
"And so, meine Herren, has the fiend really been destroyed? Yet what, I wonder, earlier attacked Simon and bit him so?"
The Pfarrer recalls that the unholy thing shot down by Von Schwarzenwolff was cumbersome and clumsy. But the flying creature he saw flitting above the graveyard was nimble and quick.
OOC:
Any other speculation about what has been going on?
(Von Schwarzenwolff spent several hours working on Simon’s remains earlier in the evening so we can assume he has amassed numerous details about his wounds, even if these merely confirm his first incisive hunch that the attack was vampiric.)
Jun 6, 2025 12:49 am
"Nein," Cunimund says flatly, "I don't believe it is that simple. There is more here than what we are seeing."
Jun 7, 2025 2:03 am
Seeing that the three men are stumped, Frau Bauer asks no further questions.
There is no further activity for several days.
Please describe what your character gets up to during this period, either their ordinary work or some form of investigation or precaution to deal with the threat.
OOC:
There is no further activity for several days.
Please describe what your character gets up to during this period, either their ordinary work or some form of investigation or precaution to deal with the threat.
Jun 7, 2025 2:34 am
The Pfarrer spends his time ministering to the flock and offering comfort where he can.
OOC:
How much are we assumed to know about vampires (if at all)?Last edited June 7, 2025 2:34 am
Jun 7, 2025 2:45 am
WhtKnt says:
The Pfarrer spends his time ministering to the flock and offering comfort where he can. OOC:
How much are we assumed to know about vampires (if at all)?OOC:
I think with a decent CK and even some occult die, your character knows a lot. How they are killed, reproduce, can be held at bay, etc. vampires are real in this setting and their lore is a necessity even for common folk.
Jun 7, 2025 3:04 am
Leopold spends his time between schooling his students during the day, and burning the midnight oil late in the evenings, researching further through his occult material, hoping to find a connection between the baron and the sudden uptick in these new abominations, and most importantly, if there was a way to bring them back to Hell.
OOC:
didn't get a chance to post earlier, but during happy hour I was going to bring up what the initial research found, regarding the history of vampirism in the area and the black baron. We can retroactively slip it in, or I can bring it up it up in a later scene.OOC:
spending a benny, hoping for a raise, aaaaand nope; 2/3Last edited June 7, 2025 3:05 am
Rolls
Research - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (6) = 6
1d6 : (5) = 5
Research - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (6) = 6
1d6 : (2) = 2
Jun 7, 2025 3:46 am
In his downtime, the Pfarrer prepares a special kit. It includes holy wafers, two vials of blessed water, some wooden stakes, a mallet, and a spare crucifix. These components he carefully rolls up into a bundle and sets near the door. Any remaining spare time he has will be spent in Biblical study and contemplation, and prayer.
Last edited June 7, 2025 3:50 am
Rolls
Occult - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (5) = 5
1d6 : (5) = 5
Common Knowledge - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (4) = 4
1d6 : (5) = 5
Jun 7, 2025 2:15 pm
Von Schwarzenwollf beseeches the Pfarrer to tarry long enough after the fell events in the cellar workshop to bless the remains of the recently arisen and desecrated corpses that they may not yet rise again upon the setting of the sun.
Alone thereafter, the schloss' master will set to work with intent to add to the grotesque private gallery of fiends. The peddler's remains are to be interred promptly by custom of the land and without viewing, as his pallor of countenance and grievous wounds are not for the likes of good villagers. As for the remaining skeletal apparitions given up by the dark bowels of the lake, they must be given pauper's rites and also thusly be buried with most visual discretion.
In the spare moments over the next few eves, Engel will confer with both priest and schoolmaster on their progress and assist in researching the whys and means to combating and dispatching this current plague of deviltry.
Alone thereafter, the schloss' master will set to work with intent to add to the grotesque private gallery of fiends. The peddler's remains are to be interred promptly by custom of the land and without viewing, as his pallor of countenance and grievous wounds are not for the likes of good villagers. As for the remaining skeletal apparitions given up by the dark bowels of the lake, they must be given pauper's rites and also thusly be buried with most visual discretion.
In the spare moments over the next few eves, Engel will confer with both priest and schoolmaster on their progress and assist in researching the whys and means to combating and dispatching this current plague of deviltry.
Rolls
Common Knowledge - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(65) + (443) = 22
Occult - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(5) + (2) = 7
Jun 7, 2025 8:38 pm
Over the course of the next few days, the trio confer concerning their knowledge of lore. One particular matter becomes clear. It is the horrific fate of some killed by a vampire to rise in their destroyer’s likeness. In future, they must take care to ensure victims are staked and sanctified with garlic and holy wafers.
(Simon became a flying skull creature because that was the form of the vampire who infected him. The original creature , which Leopold saw flying about the scene, is the monster they must destroy to end this terror.)
They establish another matter of lore. The walking dead who emerged from the lake were not vampires but mere shambling corpses, no doubt animated by the vampire (the power of vampires to raise the bodies of improperly buried mortals is well known).
Leopold’s earlier studies had revealed that, after the Black Baron’s destruction, several of his minions and creations survived. The present vampire is most likely one of these surviving villains. But now Leopold’s exhaustive search reveals that records of these monsters are nowhere in his collection. He guesses a copy of the account might still be found in the church archives in Lindendorf. But the priest there is a wary, distrustful fellow.
The biggest breakthrough — a revelation! — comes when Von Schwarzenwolff lays eyes on his grandfather’s old sabre. It is an old-fashioned, clumsy weapon by contemporary standards but it reminds him of a tale his grandfather once told him in secret. A phantom coach haunted the road between Waldorf and Lindenberg for generations. Most who saw it disappeared and were found drained of blood. As a reckless young man he hunted the coach and one night pursued it on horseback. He leapt onto the coach and fought with its monstrous driver, beheading him in the combat. The coach and horses crashed into the lake. He managed to swim free of the wreck, saving just one of the poor horses. His grandfather said the plunge happened near the roadside shrine to Saint Walburga. Quite close to the spot where Simon’s body was found!
Von Schwarzenwolff had seldom later remembered the story, assuming it to be a tall tale told for his amusement.
That’s a huge explode on von Schwarzenwolff’s CK die. That’s got to bust the case open!
Any questions about any of this?
So, what do you decide to do next? !
(Simon became a flying skull creature because that was the form of the vampire who infected him. The original creature , which Leopold saw flying about the scene, is the monster they must destroy to end this terror.)
They establish another matter of lore. The walking dead who emerged from the lake were not vampires but mere shambling corpses, no doubt animated by the vampire (the power of vampires to raise the bodies of improperly buried mortals is well known).
Leopold’s earlier studies had revealed that, after the Black Baron’s destruction, several of his minions and creations survived. The present vampire is most likely one of these surviving villains. But now Leopold’s exhaustive search reveals that records of these monsters are nowhere in his collection. He guesses a copy of the account might still be found in the church archives in Lindendorf. But the priest there is a wary, distrustful fellow.
The biggest breakthrough — a revelation! — comes when Von Schwarzenwolff lays eyes on his grandfather’s old sabre. It is an old-fashioned, clumsy weapon by contemporary standards but it reminds him of a tale his grandfather once told him in secret. A phantom coach haunted the road between Waldorf and Lindenberg for generations. Most who saw it disappeared and were found drained of blood. As a reckless young man he hunted the coach and one night pursued it on horseback. He leapt onto the coach and fought with its monstrous driver, beheading him in the combat. The coach and horses crashed into the lake. He managed to swim free of the wreck, saving just one of the poor horses. His grandfather said the plunge happened near the roadside shrine to Saint Walburga. Quite close to the spot where Simon’s body was found!
Von Schwarzenwolff had seldom later remembered the story, assuming it to be a tall tale told for his amusement.
OOC:
That’s a huge explode on von Schwarzenwolff’s CK die. That’s got to bust the case open!
Any questions about any of this?
So, what do you decide to do next? !
Jun 9, 2025 1:30 pm
Recounting the story to the other village elders, Von Schwarzenwolff suggests their next course of action in this continuing dark drama would be to set watch upon this, the place where the phantom coach did vanish into the brackish depths of the lake, and see if any manifestation thus might lead them to the director of this fell plague of the undead.
Jun 9, 2025 2:19 pm
OOC:
A strong suggestion based on the clues given. Benny to Von Schwarzenwolff!
If others agree we can move to that scene. Please indicate how you travel there (following morning) and make a notice roll, higher the better.
Jun 9, 2025 4:21 pm
Pfarrer Schweiger journeys on foot, both out of necessity and humility. So engaged with his thoughts and the scenery is he that he scarcely notices any impending danger.
Last edited June 9, 2025 4:22 pm
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (1) = 1
1d6 : (3) = 3
Jun 10, 2025 3:59 am
Before leaving that morning, not wanting to make the same mistake again, the schoolmaster goes over to his office desk and unlocks the largest drawer. He takes out the items within, then fidgets with the bottom plank to reveal a small, narrow, secret chamber. From within he removes the sole item and places everything back.
Wrapped in soft, well oiled, lamb skin, he unravels the item almost reverently. A silver, long-bladed, rondel dagger. It had seen many hands, originating in the Polish-Tuetonic War with a Tuetonic Knight in Leopold's family line, then making its way to famed fencing master Hans Talhoffer, until somehow it ended up in Leopold's father's hands, who in turn bequeathed it to him upon his deathbed. It was said to have shed the blood of both men and myth.
He buckles the sheath on his belt and slips the dagger in smoothly, then meets up with his companions.
Leopold would've preferred a cart to ride in, to make things easier given his slowed gait, but ended up walking a few clips behind the Pfarrer, his thoughts lost in the weapon he carried.
Wrapped in soft, well oiled, lamb skin, he unravels the item almost reverently. A silver, long-bladed, rondel dagger. It had seen many hands, originating in the Polish-Tuetonic War with a Tuetonic Knight in Leopold's family line, then making its way to famed fencing master Hans Talhoffer, until somehow it ended up in Leopold's father's hands, who in turn bequeathed it to him upon his deathbed. It was said to have shed the blood of both men and myth.
He buckles the sheath on his belt and slips the dagger in smoothly, then meets up with his companions.
Leopold would've preferred a cart to ride in, to make things easier given his slowed gait, but ended up walking a few clips behind the Pfarrer, his thoughts lost in the weapon he carried.
Last edited June 10, 2025 4:36 am
Rolls
Notice - (1d6, 1d6, RA)
1d6 : (2) = 2
1d6 : (2) = 2
Jun 10, 2025 3:47 pm
Riding along beside the others, at a slow canter, Von Schwarzenwolff watches their surrounding. The ancient blade is sheathed at the hip, as a possible focus item for the lingering essence of the haunted Coachman.
Rolls
Notice - (1d6+1d6, RA)
(4) + (1) = 5
Jun 10, 2025 11:35 pm
Retracing the route they took previously to Simon’s body, the party head out east along the Lindendorf road. They reach the tiny roadside shrine dedicated to Saint Walburga. The shrine requires tending and Frau Bauer cannot resist the duty of replacing its faded flowers and pulling back weeds. Just ahead, the road reaches a tight corner, a likely place for the uncontrolled coach (if the tale was true) to have plunged into the lake.
Von Schwarzenwolff catches sight of fish, lying dead in the grass on the lake side of the road, in and around the sharp bend. They have leapt from the lake for some reason….
So it’s likely the carriage is in the lake just out from the bend, assuming von Schwarzenwolff’s grandfather’s story is true. It cannot be seen from the road, or even if you wade out a little into the lake. Assuming you wish to see it, please contrive a way of spotting it (swimming out and diving deep (TN6) or commandeering a boat from the village then looking down into the lake depths).
You can forgo this and assume the carriage is there, either waiting out the rest of the day or returning when dusk approaches.
To anticipate another issue, there are three fighting capable villagers—the woodcutter and two fishermen— who have d8 in fighting but no wild die of course. Frau Bauer is still with the party with the same stats but is no longer a wild card character. They can be persuaded with an appropriate roll to join the ambush.
Von Schwarzenwolff catches sight of fish, lying dead in the grass on the lake side of the road, in and around the sharp bend. They have leapt from the lake for some reason….
OOC:
So it’s likely the carriage is in the lake just out from the bend, assuming von Schwarzenwolff’s grandfather’s story is true. It cannot be seen from the road, or even if you wade out a little into the lake. Assuming you wish to see it, please contrive a way of spotting it (swimming out and diving deep (TN6) or commandeering a boat from the village then looking down into the lake depths).
You can forgo this and assume the carriage is there, either waiting out the rest of the day or returning when dusk approaches.
To anticipate another issue, there are three fighting capable villagers—the woodcutter and two fishermen— who have d8 in fighting but no wild die of course. Frau Bauer is still with the party with the same stats but is no longer a wild card character. They can be persuaded with an appropriate roll to join the ambush.
Jun 12, 2025 4:51 pm
Upon finding the most like spot where the battle with the undead coachman has taken place many years hence, Von Schwarzenwolff weighs their options and attempts to round up and persuade several able-bodied locals to assist in the upcoming confrontation, should it be necessary. The Master also enlists the aid of Frau Bauer.
Last edited June 12, 2025 4:55 pm
Rolls
Persuasion - (1d6+1d4, RA)
(3) + (3) = 6
Jun 12, 2025 9:24 pm
Von Schwarzenwolff gathers a party of fighters and waits out the day.
As dusk arrives, the group is assembled on the bend in the road, looking out over the water.
The sun sinks behind the mountains and the lake darkens in the gathering gloom. The forested slope behind the road begins to grow quiet.
So please specify what your character’s stance and equipment is. Hiding behind a tree trunk with a blunderbuss. Standing at the water’s edge with a pitchfork. Etc.
Unless otherwise commanded the four non wild cards—Frau Bauer, woodcutter, two fishermen— kneel or sit on the lake-facing side of the road, looking out over the water. Each has a simple pistol and the melee weapon of their choice. Frau Bauer wears a heavy family crucifix obviously around her neck.
As dusk arrives, the group is assembled on the bend in the road, looking out over the water.
The sun sinks behind the mountains and the lake darkens in the gathering gloom. The forested slope behind the road begins to grow quiet.
OOC:
So please specify what your character’s stance and equipment is. Hiding behind a tree trunk with a blunderbuss. Standing at the water’s edge with a pitchfork. Etc.
Unless otherwise commanded the four non wild cards—Frau Bauer, woodcutter, two fishermen— kneel or sit on the lake-facing side of the road, looking out over the water. Each has a simple pistol and the melee weapon of their choice. Frau Bauer wears a heavy family crucifix obviously around her neck.
Jun 13, 2025 1:45 am
The Pfarrer is standing at the water's edge, his hand on his crucifix. A vial of holy water is in his left hand.
Jun 13, 2025 4:19 am
Rondel dagger tightly held in hand, the schoolmaster anxiously waits at the water's edge, several paces away from the schoolmaster in case the stagecoach emerges closer in this direction.
Jun 13, 2025 8:54 pm
Having secured steed to the bole of a tree away from the edge of the water, Von Schwarzenwoff awaits with grandfather's blade in hand and both musket and pistol loaded for easy access, should the phantom coach appear. I thought crosses mind that the banks of the lake could have swollen or receded in the many years since the initial encounter with the haunted coachman. Von Schwarzenwolff keeps watch not only at the waters of the lake, but also along the bank for signs of movement in the sod.
Jun 14, 2025 10:56 am
‘What is this ?’ whispers the woodcutter as the water threshes. Fish of several kinds leap at the lake surface as though fleeing some terrible presence.
Twenty yards out, a solid grey shape emerges. It is a skull, winged like a bat or flying fish. Bleary from its day of underwater rest, it pauses on the surface, extending its wings like a grotesque duck readying to take flight!
….seeing the ambush laid for it on the bank, the skull vampire’s grey sockets flash red with alarm and challenge!
No fear effect yet to roll against….it is too small and distant…
You can use firearms as soon as it appears. Medium range for pistols (TN5) , short (TN4) for muskets if you fire before it closes.
The old vampire is tougher than its spawn at Toughness 8.
Pfarrer Sweiger can wield his cross —just— at this range. Same effects as before* but at tn6. Presuming he wants to keep it at bay rather than fly in to melee.
(*Success deflects / prevents an attack on the Pfarrer specifically.
A raise forces the target to stay at bay from the whole party
Two raises ‘turns’ it , forcing it to flee
Three raises destroys it.)
I’ll roll some shots for the non wild cards after wild cards have gone…
Twenty yards out, a solid grey shape emerges. It is a skull, winged like a bat or flying fish. Bleary from its day of underwater rest, it pauses on the surface, extending its wings like a grotesque duck readying to take flight!
….seeing the ambush laid for it on the bank, the skull vampire’s grey sockets flash red with alarm and challenge!
OOC:
No fear effect yet to roll against….it is too small and distant…
You can use firearms as soon as it appears. Medium range for pistols (TN5) , short (TN4) for muskets if you fire before it closes.
The old vampire is tougher than its spawn at Toughness 8.
Pfarrer Sweiger can wield his cross —just— at this range. Same effects as before* but at tn6. Presuming he wants to keep it at bay rather than fly in to melee.
(*Success deflects / prevents an attack on the Pfarrer specifically.
A raise forces the target to stay at bay from the whole party
Two raises ‘turns’ it , forcing it to flee
Three raises destroys it.)
I’ll roll some shots for the non wild cards after wild cards have gone…
Jun 14, 2025 2:38 pm
Cunimund raises his crucifix and presents it boldly, but he falters and drops the crucifix into the muddy bank!
Last edited June 14, 2025 2:39 pm
Rolls
Faith - (1d8, 1d6, RA)
1d8 : (1) = 1
1d6 : (1) = 1
Jun 15, 2025 10:15 am
Seeing the fell vampiric head rising from the depths of the lake, Von Schwerzenwollf exclaims, "Here rises the monster that plagues our village!" Quickly sheathing the blade, the Master un-shoulders the smoothbore musket, aims, and fires upon the abomination.
Rolls
Shoot - (1d8+1d8, RA)
(3) + (2) = 5
Damage - (2d8, RA)
(31) = 4
Jun 15, 2025 2:13 pm
The musket ball ricochets from the skull.
Following von Schwarzenwolff’s cue, the four villagers discharge their pistols!
Two of the balls strike home with awesome power, shattering the skull and flinging its fragments over the lake’s surface!
Grey smoke from the fusillade clouds the scene.
Frau Bauer speaks.
"But the monster is not destroyed? A true vampire cannot be completely killed by mortal weapons. It will gather itself into its sanctuary and , with time, reform itself."
"But the creature has no sanctuary, no coffin? " the woodcutter objects.
To save speculation, since your characters would guess, the sunken carriage itself serves as the vampire’s ‘coffin’.
To complete the adventure, devise a means to destroy the carriage before the vampire can return and reconstitute itself. You have not yet discovered where the carriage is, but local fishermen will eventually be able to spot the vehicle lying sixty feet offshore, fifteen feet down among a bed of thick weed.
Approaches might include sending down a diver — perhaps one of the wild cards— to break it up, dredging it up with hooks, or some other method.
Following von Schwarzenwolff’s cue, the four villagers discharge their pistols!
Two of the balls strike home with awesome power, shattering the skull and flinging its fragments over the lake’s surface!
Grey smoke from the fusillade clouds the scene.
Frau Bauer speaks.
"But the monster is not destroyed? A true vampire cannot be completely killed by mortal weapons. It will gather itself into its sanctuary and , with time, reform itself."
"But the creature has no sanctuary, no coffin? " the woodcutter objects.
OOC:
To save speculation, since your characters would guess, the sunken carriage itself serves as the vampire’s ‘coffin’.
To complete the adventure, devise a means to destroy the carriage before the vampire can return and reconstitute itself. You have not yet discovered where the carriage is, but local fishermen will eventually be able to spot the vehicle lying sixty feet offshore, fifteen feet down among a bed of thick weed.
Approaches might include sending down a diver — perhaps one of the wild cards— to break it up, dredging it up with hooks, or some other method.
Rolls
Frau Bauer, woodcutter, fisherman1, fisherman2 - ((1d6, (1d6, (1d6, (1d6)
(1d6 : (5) = 5
(1d6 : (3) = 3
(1d6 : (6) = 6
(1d6 : (1) = 1
damage - ((2d6, RA);(2d6, RA)
(2d6 : (6612) = 15
RA);(2d6 : (624) = 12
Jun 15, 2025 4:31 pm
Cunimund shamefully picks up his crucifix and rinses it off in the water before placing it back around his neck. When he thinks that no one is looking, he takes a sip from his flask. "We will have to destroy the carriage," he says. "Perhaps we should go down and investigate?" He uses the royal "we", as swimming isn't his strong suit.
Jun 15, 2025 6:17 pm
"Dredging it up may be better than trying to work in the dark, murky waters. I'm not entirely sure how much of a vampire's sanctuary needs to be destroyed for it to no longer function."
Leopold tries to remember it anything in his readings mentioned that specific instruction.
Leopold tries to remember it anything in his readings mentioned that specific instruction.
Rolls
Occult - (1d4, 1d6, RA)
1d4 : (42) = 6
1d6 : (2) = 2
Jun 15, 2025 7:32 pm
ctme2000 says:
"Dredging it up may be better than trying to work in the dark, murky waters. I'm not entirely sure how much of a vampire's sanctuary needs to be destroyed for it to no longer function."Leopold tries to remember it anything in his readings mentioned that specific instruction.
OOC:
The carriage needs to be wrecked, exposing every part to sunlight
Jun 17, 2025 1:41 pm
One of the fishermen sees that a suggestion is needed.
"Leave it to me, I will hook the carriage and have it hauled ashore with my brothers’ horses. Or we will dive down ourselves and wreck it with crowbars!"
But later the fisherman, named Vitus Fischer, spreads gossip that it was he, Vitus, who shot the skull from the air. And that he took action to destroy its sanctuary.
End of adventure!
Milestone reached, advance secured.
I get the sense that players have gone as far as they are interested?
Or perhaps we could adjust expectations of gameplay and continue with a more traditional, action-oriented game? Less mystery and problem solving, more action?
"Leave it to me, I will hook the carriage and have it hauled ashore with my brothers’ horses. Or we will dive down ourselves and wreck it with crowbars!"
But later the fisherman, named Vitus Fischer, spreads gossip that it was he, Vitus, who shot the skull from the air. And that he took action to destroy its sanctuary.
OOC:
End of adventure!
Milestone reached, advance secured.
I get the sense that players have gone as far as they are interested?
Or perhaps we could adjust expectations of gameplay and continue with a more traditional, action-oriented game? Less mystery and problem solving, more action?
Jun 17, 2025 2:16 pm
OrangeTree says:
I get the sense that players have gone as far as they are interested?Or perhaps we could adjust expectations of gameplay and continue with a more traditional, action-oriented game? Less mystery and problem solving, more action?
Last edited June 17, 2025 2:17 pm
Jun 18, 2025 9:15 pm
OOC:
Sorry. I haven't been able to log in to the site for two days. I tried several times yesterday. I know, having kept up with GP's Discord, that Keleth took the site offline for a while.Jun 19, 2025 3:19 pm
OOC:
So reading between the lines…
Thanks for the game, guys! Fun while it lasted.
Jun 23, 2025 1:38 am
Hey OT,
Was out of town camping, just got back. Yeah, for some reason, I wasn't quite as gripped as I thought I'd be. No fault of yours or the players, moreso just the setting.
Thanks again for running, sorry this one didn't work out!
Was out of town camping, just got back. Yeah, for some reason, I wasn't quite as gripped as I thought I'd be. No fault of yours or the players, moreso just the setting.
Thanks again for running, sorry this one didn't work out!